Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has made headlines not for blockchain innovation but for his generous contribution to Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Buterin donated 10 million Thai baht (approximately $293,000 or 88 ETH) to the zoo to support its Wildlife Sponsorship Program and build a dedicated exhibit for Moo Deng, a viral pygmy hippopotamus.
Thank you Vitalik Buterin @VitalikButerin for joining the Wildlife Sponsorship Program and adopting Moo Deng with a generous gift of 10,000,000 THB for her family! We look forward to working with you over the next 2 years for the benefit of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo community & all… pic.twitter.com/Ykrr53Y2tZ
— สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@KhaokheowZoo) December 26, 2024
Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pork” in English, captured global attention in 2024 with playful videos showcasing her lively antics, including attempts to nibble on her caretakers. The endangered pygmy hippo’s charm has made her a beloved figure in Thailand and beyond, earning her an unexpected celebrity status in the crypto world.
The donation aligns with Buterin’s appreciation for Thailand’s hospitality during Ethereum-related events, including the Devcon SEA conference in November. In a letter shared on X (formerly Twitter), Buterin expressed gratitude to the Thai people, calling Moo Deng a symbol of their warmth and a unique ambassador for the country.
“On behalf of the Ethereum ecosystem, I wanted to offer a gesture of friendship to Thailand through a Christmas gift for Moo Deng,” Buterin wrote. The zoo responded warmly, thanking Buterin and expressing enthusiasm for future collaboration over the next two years.
Moo Deng’s fame extends to the cryptocurrency space, where a memecoin named after her has gained traction. The token, listed on Coinbase’s roadmap, boasts a market capitalization of over $270 million, though it has seen a dip from its November peak of $614 million.
Beyond the hype, Buterin’s donation underscores the growing intersection between crypto philanthropy and wildlife conservation. The funds will ensure Moo Deng and her family receive a state-of-the-art habitat while supporting the zoo’s broader mission.
This act of generosity not only bolsters Ethereum’s reputation in Thailand but also highlights the potential for blockchain leaders to drive positive change beyond technology, making Moo Deng not just a crypto icon but a symbol of global goodwill.
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